A/N: I've skewed the story timeline a little from the movie so this is AU somewhat. Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Much thanks to Luc Besson for sharing his cinematic vision with America and to Jean-Claude Mezieres and Pierre Christin for creating these awesome French comic book characters. As a fan of Star Wars, I bow to you for setting the standard.

Laureline wasn't ready to tell her partner the truth but it was becoming increasingly difficult to hide. She finally decided to tell him on their way back to Alpha.

She entered the holodeck where he was lounging in an Adirondack chair, sunglasses on, soaking in the fake sun.

Valerian glanced her way and grinned. He spread his legs in an invite for her to join him.

Laureline refrained from rolling her eyes as she gently shoved his legs together and perched next to his knees.

"I need to tell you something and I don't want you to get upset," she said, reaching for his sunglasses. He sat straight up in the seat, coming practically nose to nose with her, the smile on his face was replaced with concern.

"What's wrong?" Valerian asked. "You aren't leaving me, are you?"

Laureline sighed and briefly looked away. He touched her arm. She faced him.

"I'm pregnant," she softly said.

The stunned look on Valerian's features pierced her heart.

"When? How?" he stuttered. They had flirted and fooled around the nearly two years they'd been partners, but they both knew he wasn't the father.

"Remember when I was captured and held for those three days on Callerius?" Laureline asked. Valerian nodded and Laureline took a deep breath.

"I was assaulted by one of the captors," she nearly whispered. "I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to do anything drastic. One of the rescue team killed him and I thought that I'd been treated in time to prevent …"

Hurt flashed in Valerian's eyes.

"So you've been carrying around this secret from me for five months?" he snapped.

Laureline dipped her head in shame.

"The situations we've been in, the danger you've put yourself and the baby in?!" he nearly roared.

"Babies," she quietly tacked on. Valerian's eyes widened. "There are three," she added.

He slumped back in the chair and ran his hands through his hair.

"The doctor said I could work right up to the birth and I didn't want to leave you," Laureline said matter-of-factly. "I have your back just like you have mine, Valerian."

"Did you think I wouldn't notice?" he retorted, his eyes finally meeting hers.

"I didn't want you to be distracted!" she replied. He sighed.

"So what now?" Valerian asked.

"Nothing. In about three months, I will be put on desk duty and I will stay home with the babies for a few weeks before I join you again on the job," Laureline said.

Valerian shook his head.

"I'll just take all that vacation I have and I will stay home too," he said, implying that he was going to be around. Laureline bit her lip from saying anything to dissuade him. Truth was she wanted him to be around.

Valerian grabbed her hand.

"Does this mean you'll finally marry me?" he asked. She gave him a small smile and nodded.


Two weeks later

"Major, wake up. The sergeant is in distress," Alex voiced, rousing Valerian from his slumber in his quarters. He instantly jumped up and dashed out the door and down the hall to Laureline's quarters.

It was obvious she had been tossing and turning her bed, her nightgown twisted around her. Valerian rushed to her side and reached for her. Laureline gave him a weary look as he gathered her close.

"What's wrong?" he murmured.

"They won't stop wrestling around," she accused her rounded belly, rubbing it. He placed his hand on top of hers.

"May I?" he asked. She nodded with a pouty lip.

Valerian positioned himself on the bed where he could get his face close to her moving belly.

"You three need to settle down," he softly commanded. "Your mother needs rest and so do I. But we can't do that if you keep dancing in there. Go. To. Sleep."

Almost immediately the wresting stopped. Valerian glanced at Laureline. She tugged him up and next to her.

"I guess you'll be sleeping in here tonight," she muttered, even though her eyes were smiling.

Valerian grinned as he stretched out by her side.